If you laying there wondering what we mean when we talk about stretch marks, then count your blessings. You are probably among the lucky few that will never have to deal with this dreaded skin problem. Stretch marks, as the name says, are marks that appear when your skin stretched beyond its normal limits. They can affect anyone, both men and women, but are usually seen on pregnant women.

During this period, stretch marks appear around the breasts, abdomen, and hip area. Because stretch marks are also caused by rapid weight loss, some women may develop them even after having given birth. It is actually believed that more than half of the women that have stretch marks have developed them because of pregnancy.

Let's take a look at how you can prevent and treat stretch marks during and after pregnancy. Don't forget, that stretch marks aren't exclusive to women so the products used for pregnancy stretch marks can also be used to treat men and teenagers.

How to: Prevent Stretch Marks Your doctor will probably prescribe a series of different products, mainly creams for stretch marks to help keep your skin taut and flexible during pregnancy. If used properly they will help your skin stretch without breaking.

While using these creams you should also worry about maintaining a steady weight gain. Too much weight gain in a short period of time will increase your probabilities of developing stretch marks not to mention make it harder to lose the baby weight.

Don't forget that maintaining a healthy diet can help control your weight gain. Remember that you will only need about 300 calories more per day when you are pregnant. This means one extra meal a day so don't go overboard.

Stay away from junk food and overly processed foods. Both of these types of food are high in sodium and empty calories. They will make you gain extra pounds quickly.

Eliminate Stretch Marks

If after pregnancy you've noticed that your body is covered in stretch marks, then surgery may be a valid option for you. Plastic surgery will remove the excess skin as well as the unwanted stretch marks and leave you with nothing more than a scar that is hidden in the skin's natural folds.

Stretch mark removal via plastic surgery is generally done on the abdomen and nowhere else. If you want to remove stretch marks found on other areas of the body you will probably need to use Stretch marks creams.

Stretch mark creams are a slow treatment that require patience and consistency, however, if you want a highly effective stretch mark cream, then you need to find products that contain rose hip oil, snail serum, or emu oil. These ingredients are known for their ability to dissolve damaged skin tissue and replace it with of new, healthy skin cells.